Axar Patel’s performance paved the way for India’s big hitters, Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya, to make impactful contributions.
Years from now, when conversations revolve around the 2024 T20 World Cup final, India’s victory over South Africa will undoubtedly highlight Virat Kohli’s commanding 76, Jasprit Bumrah’s stellar spell with both the new and old ball, and Hardik Pandya’s tense final over. However, Axar Patel’s pivotal innings should not be forgotten.
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With India reeling at 34 for 3 in the PowerPlay, Axar was promoted up the order to stabilize the innings. His crucial 47 off 31 balls was the perfect complement to Kohli’s 76. While Kohli expertly rotated the strike with singles and doubles, Axar brought the aggression India needed.
Axar Patel‘s aggressive intent was clear when he slog-swept Aiden Markram for a six in the eighth over, India’s first of the match. He followed it up with sixes off Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi in consecutive overs. The pinnacle of his innings was a lofted straight drive off the first ball of Kagiso Rabada’s spell in the 14th over, sending the ball 85 meters over long-on.
This shot showcased his immense skill and justified his promotion up the order.
“It means everything to me. Coming into this World Cup after dealing with injuries, I felt a strong desire to contribute significantly for India. I’m trying to keep it simple, just treating it like another match. Rohit Sharma is an incredible leader, and his guidance was instrumental in this World Cup victory,” Axar reflected post-match. “I wasn’t expecting to be sent up the order, but I’m glad I could deliver.”
Axar’s performance paved the way for India’s big hitters, Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya, to make impactful contributions. Dube, who had struggled earlier, scored a vital 27 off 16 balls.
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Axar, batting from the fifth to the 14th over, maintained momentum with boundaries in five of those overs, helping India post a competitive total of 176. His dismissal came from a sharp throw by wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, resulting in a run-out in the 14th over.
Although Axar had a tough time with the ball, conceding 24 runs in a single over to Heinrich Klaasen, his batting performance was crucial in India breaking their 13-year World Cup drought. Despite the blemish with the ball, his contributions with the bat were key to India’s triumph and will be remembered as a significant part of the match.